EU stages successful race against crime and violence

Over 3,500 participants turned out in support of the European Union-Jamaica (EU-JA) 5K and 10K run held yesterday in downtown Kingston under the theme 'All Against Crime and Violence'.

The event was held for the second consecutive year and organised by the European Union Delegation to Jamaica. The race was executed by Running Events Jamaica.

In her address to the race participants, EU Ambassador to Jamaica Marianne Van Steen expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support, having seen a significant increase in participation from approximately 2,000 people in 2023 to over 3,500 people this year for the second staging.

"Thank you for showing up and supporting this mission we are on, as we work together in the fight against crime and violence. We truly appreciate each and every one of you for coming out," she said.

With research indicating a correlation between low literacy levels and increased rates of crime and violence, proceeds from this year's event will be used to fund a literacy summer camp at the Edward Seaga, St Andrew and Holy Family primary schools in the Corporate Area.

Last year's proceeds were used to fund a literacy summer camp at Kingston High School.

Each of the literacy camps promote literacy via the Creative Language Based Learning Foundation programme.

Speaking at the launch event earlier in January, Ambassador Van Steen shared that the EU remains committed to supporting Jamaica's sustainable development agenda, which directly impacts the quality of life for all Jamaicans, noting that citizen security is a key priority focus.

"This 5K and 10K road race forms part of the EU's collective effort and responsibility of raising the social consciousness and awareness of the importance of having an 'all hands on deck' approach to tackling the social vulnerabilities that are triggers for crime and violence," she said.

Van Steen added that she is extremely pleased with the growth of the run and deemed it a success.

The top prizes in the 5K event went to Sabrina McDonald, a Papine High School student who won the female category in 23 minutes and 40 seconds; while Dominic Amponsah, a Jamaica College student, won the male category in 16 minutes and 31 seconds. Second place in the respective categories went to Michelle McNally, 23:55, and Winston Dehaney, 16:31; while the third places went to Hoday Richards 23:55 and Sanjay Ivery 17:09.